As he began to thrust in and out, Craig could see that neither one of them would have the ability to last long. Even if it was going to be quick, Craig wanted it to be memorable. He made sure to nudge Jeff’s prostate on every inward movement. The sounds, the moans beneath him escalated, urging him on.
Jeff’s writhing became out of control, and as Craig continued to relentlessly move, it kept them both on the edge. Craig embraced his lover, kissed him hard and messy, swallowing the incredible sounds he was making along with those he was sure were coming from deep within himself as well.
Entangled with each other, creating a heated, intense rhythm, Craig felt Jeff release between them, as he bit down on Craig’s lower lip. The stab of pain, combined with the pleasure he felt as he thrust in again, took Craig over the edge. As Jeff’s spasms milked Craig completely, filling the condom, Craig collapsed, spent, still holding on tightly to the man beneath him.
Craig attempted to pull out, but Jeff’s arms circled him tightly, fingers digging into his back, trapping him in their combined bliss. “Don’t go. Can’t let you go.”
Smiling into the crook of Jeff’s neck, Craig whispered, “I’m never going anywhere ever again.” It was a declaration Craig never expected to make but knew was true.
He let himself slowly slip from his partner’s body, holding the condom in place so he could remove it carefully and toss it to the side.
Holding Jeff, as if he were a cocoon with something precious inside, Craig had no interest in letting go. “You’re mine now. No one else’s ever again.”
“And you?” Jeff’s unsure whisper touched something deep inside as Craig continued his protective embrace.
“Same for me. The games are over, should have been a long time ago. You’re it.”
Moving his head slightly, he watched Jeff close his eyes and turn away. “What about love? Do you feel it?”
“Do you?”
Jeff’s voice hitched. “God, yes. I do love you.” Craig felt Jeff shiver beneath him.
“Good. Then that makes two of us, because this has got to be love. There’s no other explanation for how I feel about you.” Cupping Jeff’s chin, Craig made sure they made eye contact. Gazing into Jeff’s eyes, Craig felt a serenity overtake him. “I love you in every way humanly possible. Believe me, it’s true.” Craig licked his lower lip, feeling the sting from the earlier bite. “You’re it for me.” He grinned, knowing he’d never uttered words like this to anyone before. “The next time we go to the Music Box, it’ll be to dance only.”
“Unless I want to show off my boyfriend in the backroom.”
“Okay. But let’s call it partner—you’re far more than a boyfriend.”
Jeff clung to Craig as if the words would be absorbed better through their skin-to-skin connection. Craig didn’t mind one bit.
Chapter 11
“I HOPE all the promotion work we’ve been doing does the trick.”
“What do you mean we? Was that you visiting the gay and lesbian organizations of every damn college in Boston? Do you realize how many damn universities there are in this city?” Craig sat in front of his computer, the screen dark as he hadn’t logged on yet. “Oh yeah, and was that you trekking into every community center, clinic, office building, and, let’s not forget, mall, in the area?”
Jeff sat quietly, a grin on his face.
“And let’s not forget all the PR work on the ten million blogs where we posted promos and bought advertising. Those were a joy to keep up with. I had far shorter hours as a slave to that boring, pain-in-the-ass bank.”
“How long do you plan on ranting before you check and see if anyone has actually tried the site? I could bring you another cup of coffee, but somehow I think more caffeine may not be the answer this morning.”
Lowering his head into his hands, Craig groaned. “Why the hell did we do this? What if it doesn’t work? We’ve invested everything, not that we had all that much to begin with. But if it goes bust, how the hell are we going to find jobs in this shitty economy?”
“Have faith.” Jeff set a cup of herbal tea on the desk next to the computer keyboard. “Here. It’s chamomile. It’ll calm you down.” Then he cupped Craig’s chin, gently forcing him to look up and tenderly pressed their lips together. “You’re smart, and you’re an amazing promoter. That’s why you were the one on the road while I was sitting here, making sure everything was in order and working perfectly.”
“How many fake profiles did you set up during your two weeks of experimenting?”
“I have no idea, but I’m beginning to see a future for myself in either creative writing or criminal profiling.”
“Very funny.”
Jeff dragged another small chair up next to Craig’s. He rubbed his back. It felt good, grounding. Jeff always seemed to know just the right thing to do or say to keep him calm and focused. It still amazed Craig that of all the guys Jeff had dated over the years, he was the one Jeff wanted. What was wrong with all those assholes? They’d had no idea what an amazing man they had and the fools let him go. Thank God.
Looking into Jeff’s eyes and threading his fingers in the slightly longer-than-usual waves of hair, Craig drew him in for another, deeper kiss. Running his tongue over Jeff’s lips, Craig coaxed Jeff to open up, welcoming Craig inside, as he always did. Craig couldn’t get enough. He was always hungry, always desiring more from Jeff, and Jeff was always willing to give everything.
The heat built up rapidly as their tongues dueled for dominance, Jeff allowing Craig to rule. If Jeff knew the power he had over Craig—the power of love and the power to hurt him, he never let on. He loved him, plain and simple. It was the purest love Craig could imagine existed, and he was the beneficiary.
“God, you’re so
